Conectar
by Einar Rystedt, Jakob Morén, Johan Lindbäck, Vitor Tedim Cruz, Martin Ingelsson, Lena Kilander, Nuno Lunet, Joana Pais, Luis Ruano, Gabriel Westman
Computerized cognitive tests have the potential to cost-effectively detect and monitor cognitive impairments and thereby facilitate treatment for these conditions. However, relatively few of these tests have been validated in a variety of populations. Brain on Track, a self-administered web-based test, has previously been shown to have a good ability to differentiate between healthy individuals and patients with cognitive impairment in Portuguese populations. The objective of this study was to validate the differential ability and evaluate the usability of Brain on Track in a Swedish memory clinic setting. Brain on Track was administered to 30 patients with mild cognitive impairment/mild dementia and 30 healthy controls, all scheduled to perform the test from home after one week and after three months. To evaluate the usability, the patient group was interviewed after completion of the testing phase. Patients scored lower than healthy controls at both the first (median score 42.4 vs 54.1, pTo define nurse-led clinics in primary health care, identify barriers and enablers that influence their successful implementation, and understand what impact they have on patient and population health outcomes.
Nurse-led clinics definitions remain inconsistent. There is limited understanding regarding what enablers and barriers impact successful nurse-led clinic implementation and their impact on patient health care.
Scoping review using narrative synthesis.
PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched to identify nurse-led clinic definitions and models of care between 2000 and 2023. Screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria and methodological quality assessment. Narrative synthesis enabled to communicate the phenomena of interest and follows the PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.
Among the 36 identified studies, key principles of what constitutes nurse-led clinics were articulated providing a robust definition. Nurse-led clinics are, in most cases, commensurate with standard care, however, they provide more time with patients leading to greater satisfaction. Enablers highlight nurse-led clinic success is achieved through champions, partners, systems, and clear processes, while barriers encompass key risk points and sustainability considerations.
The review highlights several fundamental elements are central to nurse-led clinic success and are highly recommended when developing interventional nurse-led strategies. Nurse-led clinics within primary health care seek to address health care through community driven, health professional and policy supported strategies. Overall, a robust and contemporary definition of nurse-led care and the clinics in which they operate is provided.
The comprehensive definition, clear mediators of success and the health impact of nurse-led clinics provide a clear framework to effectively build greater capacity among nursing services within primary health care. This, in addition, highlights the need for good health care policy to ensure sustainability.
No Patient or Public Contribution.
To evaluate a nurse-led model of supportive care in a COPD outpatient service from patient and caregiver perspectives.
Case study methodology.
Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 7) conducted between April 2020 and September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach. COREQ guidelines informed reporting of this study.
Eight categories were identified from the data evaluating of the model of care relating to the most helpful aspects of COPD supportive care and suggested improvements to the model of care. The categories were: guidance with managing symptoms; participating in advance care planning; home visiting; expert advice; continuity and trust; caring; caregiver support and improvements to the model of care.
In a nurse-led model of COPD supportive care, what patients and caregivers valued most was expert advice and guidance with symptom management, flexible home visiting, participation in advance care planning, caring and continuity within an ongoing trusted therapeutic relationship. Understanding what patients and caregivers value most is essential in designing and delivering models of care that meet the needs of patients living with chronic, life-limiting illness.
Nurses can lead effective models of supportive care that offer valuable support to patients living with COPD and their caregivers.
The use of primary healthcare and health promotion services is low among immigrants compared with native citizens. Immigrants are at risk of developing chronic diseases due to genetics, nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Registered nurses play an integral role in teaching, counselling for a healthy lifestyle and care coordination in primary healthcare.
We aimed to explore the perceptions of registered nurses on healthy lifestyle counselling for preventing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases among immigrants in the primary healthcare setting.
We performed a qualitative descriptive study using focus group interviews.
Data were collected with semi-structured focus group interviews with a total of 23 registered nurses working in primary healthcare. We recruited the participants by using the purposive sampling method in the primary healthcare setting of four municipalities in Finland. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with qualitative inductive content analysis.
The participants' perceptions were related to (1) uniform counselling practice for both immigrants and native citizens, (2) challenges in counselling immigrants, (3) understanding cultural factors influencing immigrant counselling, (4) the need to improve immigrant counselling and (5) utilizing insights from practical experience to improve the counselling service.
Developing a culturally sensitive health promotion service is suggested to support the health of immigrants. Moreover, both migrant communities and healthcare professionals should be involved in co-designing and implementing health promotion projects through a community-based participatory approach.
Our study contributes to healthcare practice and management by underscoring the need for culturally tailored health promotion services for the at-risk group of immigrants in primary healthcare. Cultural competence in nursing education needs to be reinforced. The provided recommendations inform researchers and policymakers about the health disparities and health needs of immigrants.
Healthcare professionals were consulted in the study design.
by Brooke Linden, Amy Ecclestone
The brief version of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (Brief-PSSI) was developed in order to improve the usability of the instrument as a method for evaluating the severity and frequency of stressors faced by post-secondary students. While the original 46-item instrument has been thoroughly psychometrically validated and successfully used among student populations, the length of the instrument limits its utility. Providing a valid, shortened version of the PSSI will enable institutions to include the tool on existing online surveys currently being deployed to surveil the mental health and wellbeing of their students. This study reports preliminary evidence in support of the validity and reliability of the Brief-PSSI using a cross-sectional pilot sample of students attending an Ontario university in 2022. A total of 349 participants (average age 25 (SD = 7.7), range 19–60) completed the first survey, while 149 completed the follow-up survey (average age of 26 (SD = 7.7), range 17–60). Evidence of internal structure, relations to other variables, and of test-retest reliability was assessed according to established index validation guidelines, including the specification of multiple-indicator, multiple-cause models, and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. Results provide preliminary support for the validity and reliability of the tool, which demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit statistics, statistically significant relationships with like constructs in the hypothesized directions, and good test-retest reliability correlation coefficients. The Brief-PSSI is a useful tool for evaluating the sources of stress among post-secondary students, assessing both the severity of stress experienced and frequency with which each stressor occurred. Future research should explore the practical utility of adding the Brief-PSSI to existing survey assessments as well as pursue the continued collection of validation evidence for the tool among varied student populations.To identify barriers and facilitators impacting the implementation of a comprehensive transfer program aimed at parents of adolescents with chronic illness in clinical practice.
A real-time, qualitative process evaluation.
Individual interviews were conducted with 10 nurses and seven physicians from paediatric and adult outpatient clinics: Nephrology, hepatology, neurology, and rheumatology. Data were analysed through the lens of normalization process theory.
Themes were framed within the theory's four components. (1) Coherence: Healthcare professionals' views on their core tasks and on the parents' role influenced their perception of the program. (2) Cognitive participation: A named key worker, autonomy, and collaboration impacted healthcare professionals' involvement in the program. (3) Collective action: Department prioritization and understanding of the program's aim were key factors in its successful delivery. (4) Reflective monitoring: Participants experienced that the program helped parents during transfer but questioned if the program was needed by all families.
We identified three barriers: Healthcare professionals' lack of understanding of the parental role during transfer, top-down decisions among nurses, and physicians' uncertainty about their role in joint consultations. Facilitators: Healthcare professionals' understanding of the program's purpose and expected effect, the nurses' significant role as named keyworkers, and good collaboration across paediatric and adult departments.
Implementation strategies should be developed before implementing a transfer program in clinical practice.
Implementing a parental transfer program in clinical practice can be challenging. Therefore, for successful implementation, it is crucial to identify barriers and facilitators. Barriers and facilitators exist at the personal, professional, and organizational levels, and it is important to understand them. The results of this qualitative study could support the implementation of transfer programs in other settings.
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ).
No patient or public contribution.
Nurses' and physicians' experiences of ownership of the transfer program is essential for successful implementation. Clinics should appoint a named keyworker, preferably a nurse, as the driving force during the implementation of a transfer program. Nurses and physicians should receive training about the purpose, justification, and expected effect of a transfer program before implementation.
by Linnéa Ekman, Lars B. Dahlin, Gert S. Andersson, Eero Lindholm
AimThe aim was to assess the use of multi-frequency vibrometry (MFV) in detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 1 diabetes in comparison to nerve conduction studies (NCS) and neurothesiometer (NT). Our objectives were to examine how VPTs correlated with NCS parameters, evaluate the efficacy of MFV in distinguishing DPN as well as to investigate whether MFV procedure could be based on fewer frequencies.
MethodsAdults with type 1 diabetes with previous MFV examinations were recruited at Skåne University Hospital in Malmö, Sweden, between 2018 and 2020. Participants were examined regarding nerve function in the lower limbs through MFV, NT and NCS.
ResultsA total of 66 participants (28 women and 38 men) with a median age of 50 (39 to 64) years were included in the study. Through NCS assessment, 33 participants (50%) were diagnosed with DPN. We found negative correlations between VPTs and all NCS parameters, where the strongest correlation was found between sural nerve amplitude and the 125 Hz frequency of MFV. A combination of four frequencies, two low (4 and 8 Hz) and two high (125 and 250 Hz), showed the highest classification efficacy (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.93).
ConclusionWe conclude that a strong correlation exists between the sural nerve amplitude and the VPTs at 125 Hz and that VPT testing with MFV can be focused on only four frequencies instead of seven, thus shortening test time, to distinguish DPN in the lower limb.
by Sarah M. Frank, Lindsay M. Jaacks, Christy L. Avery, Linda S. Adair, Katie Meyer, Donald Rose, Lindsey Smith Taillie
BackgroundThe Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) measures adherence to the sustainable dietary guidance proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health. To justify incorporating sustainable dietary guidance such as the PHDI in the US, the index needs to be compared to health-focused dietary recommendations already in use. The objectives of this study were to compare the how the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) relate to cardiometabolic risk factors.
Methods and findingsParticipants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2018) were assigned a score for each dietary index. We examined disparities in dietary quality for each index. We used linear and logistic regression to assess the association of standardized dietary index values with waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and triglycerides (TG). We also dichotomized the cardiometabolic indicators using the cutoffs for the Metabolic Syndrome and used logistic regression to assess the relationship of the standardized dietary index values with binary cardiometabolic risk factors. We observed diet quality disparities for populations that were Black, Hispanic, low-income, and low-education. Higher diet quality was associated with improved continuous and binary cardiometabolic risk factors, although higher PHDI was not associated with high FPG and was the only index associated with lower TG. These patterns remained consistent in sensitivity analyses.
ConclusionsSustainability-focused dietary recommendations such as the PHDI have similar cross-sectional associations with cardiometabolic risk as HEI-2015 or DASH. Health-focused dietary guidelines such as the forthcoming 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans can consider the environmental impact of diet and still promote cardiometabolic health.
by Jacinda M. Nicklas, Laura Pyle, Andrey Soares, Jennifer A. Leiferman, Sheana S. Bull, Suhong Tong, Ann E. Caldwell, Nanette Santoro, Linda A. Barbour
BackgroundPostpartum women with overweight/obesity and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes are at elevated risk for cardiometabolic disease. Postpartum weight loss and lifestyle changes can decrease these risks, yet traditional face-to-face interventions often fail. We adapted the Diabetes Prevention Program into a theory-based mobile health (mHealth) program called Fit After Baby (FAB) and tested FAB in a randomized controlled trial.
MethodsThe FAB program provided 12 weeks of daily evidence-based content, facilitated tracking of weight, diet, and activity, and included weekly coaching and gamification with points and rewards. We randomized women at 6 weeks postpartum 2:1 to FAB or to the publicly available Text4baby (T4B) app (active control). We measured weight and administered behavioral questionnaires at 6 weeks, and 6 and 12 months postpartum, and collected app user data.
Results81 eligible women participated (77% White, 2% Asian, 15% Black, with 23% Hispanic), mean baseline BMI 32±5 kg/m2 and age 31±5 years. FAB participants logged into the app a median of 51/84 (IQR 25,71) days, wore activity trackers 66/84 (IQR 43,84) days, logged weight 17 times (IQR 11,24), and did coach check-ins 5.5/12 (IQR 4,9) weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted data collection for the primary 12-month endpoint, and impacted diet, physical activity, and body weight for many participants. At 12 months postpartum women in the FAB group lost 2.8 kg [95% CI -4.2,-1.4] from baseline compared to a loss of 1.8 kg [95% CI -3.8,+0.3] in the T4B group (p = 0.42 for the difference between groups). In 60 women who reached 12 months postpartum before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, women randomized to FAB lost 4.3 kg [95% CI -6.0,-2.6] compared to loss in the control group of 1.3 kg [95% CI -3.7,+1.1] (p = 0.0451 for the difference between groups).
ConclusionsThere were no significant differences between groups for postpartum weight loss for the entire study population. Among those unaffected by the COVID pandemic, women randomized to the FAB program lost significantly more weight than those randomized to the T4B program. The mHealth FAB program demonstrated a substantial level of engagement. Given the scalability and potential public health impact of the FAB program, the efficacy for decreasing cardiometabolic risk by increasing postpartum weight loss should be tested in a larger trial.
The cumulative stress toll on nurses increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. An evidence-based practice (EBP) project was conducted to understand what is known about the impacts of cumulative stress within nursing and if there are ways to mitigate stress during a nurse's shift.
A project team from three clinical units completed an extensive literature review and identified the need to promote detachment while supporting parasympathetic recovery. Based on this review, leaders from three pediatric clinical units (neonatal intensive care unit, cardiovascular intensive care unit, and acute pulmonary floor) implemented respite rooms.
Follow-up outcomes showed a statistically significant stress reduction. For all shifts combined, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed that perceived stress scores from an 11-point Likert scale (0 = no stress and 10 = maximum perceived stress) were significantly lower in the post-respite room (Md = 3, n = 68) compared to in the pre-respite room (Md = 6, n = 68), Z = −7.059, p < .001, with a large effect size, r = .605. Nurses and other staff frequently utilized respite rooms during shifts.
Clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice processes can mitigate cumulative stress and support staff wellbeing. Respite rooms within the hospital can promote a healthy work environment among nurses and promote a self-care culture change. Evidence-based strategies to mitigate cumulative stress using respite rooms are a best practice to promote nurse wellbeing and mitigate cumulative stress.
This study explores UK nurses' experiences of working in a respiratory clinical area during the COVID-19 pandemic over winter 2020.
During the first wave of the pandemic, nurses working in respiratory clinical areas experienced significant levels of anxiety and depression. As the pandemic has progressed, levels of fatigue in nurses have not been assessed.
A cross-sectional e-survey was distributed via professional respiratory societies and social media. The survey included Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9, depression), a resilience scale (RS-14) and Chalder mental and physical fatigue tools. The STROBE checklist was followed as guidance to write the manuscript.
Despite reporting anxiety and depression, few nurses reported having time off work with stress, most were maintaining training and felt prepared for COVID challenges in their current role. Nurses reported concerns over safety and patient feedback was both positive and negative. A quarter of respondents reported wanting to leave nursing. Nurses experiencing greater physical fatigue reported higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Nurses working in respiratory clinical areas were closely involved in caring for COVID-19 patients. Nurses continued to experience similar levels of anxiety and depression to those found in the first wave and reported symptoms of fatigue (physical and mental). A significant proportion of respondents reported considering leaving nursing. Retention of nurses is vital to ensure the safe functioning of already overstretched health services. Nurses would benefit from regular mental health check-ups to ensure they are fit to practice and receive the support they need to work effectively.
A high proportion of nurses working in respiratory clinical areas have been identified as experiencing fatigue in addition to continued levels of anxiety, depression over winter 2020. Interventions need to be implemented to help provide mental health support and improve workplace conditions to minimise PTSD and burnout.
To explore Remote Area Nurses' experiences of the implementation of workplace health and safety policies and risk mitigation strategies in Australian very remote primary health clinics.
This qualitative study used online semi-structured interviews, with participants purposively sampled to maximize variation in work location and service type. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Coding was carried out inductively, with NVivo 12 aiding data management.
The interviews were conducted from 24 Februrary 2021 to 06 March 2021 with Remote Area Nurses from very remote primary health clinics in Australia.
Fifteen Remote Area Nurses participated in the study.
Thematic analysis revealed varied approaches to workplace safety among the different health services and regions. While the spread of ‘never alone’ policies in many clinics addressed one of the significant risks faced by Remote Area Nurses, gaps remained even for hazards specifically highlighted in existing work health and safety legislation. Meaningful collaboration with staff and the community, local orientation, preparation for the role and providing quality care were protective factors for staff safety. Understaffing, unsafe infrastructure and inadequate equipment were common concerns among Remote Area Nurses.
Health services need to prioritize workplace safety and take a continuous quality improvement approach to its implementation. This will include ensuring safety strategies are appropriate for the local context, improving infrastructure maintenance, and establishing sustainable second responder systems such as a pool of drivers with local knowledge.
Poor personal safety contributes to burnout and high turnover of staff. Nurses' insights into the barriers and enablers of current workplace safety strategies will aid policymakers and employers in future improvements.
COREQ reporting guidelines were followed.
A panel of six Remote Area Nurses collaborated in the development of this project.
To explore the satisfaction and experiences of women and staff with the BSOTS in an Australian hospital.
Cross-sectional descriptive survey.
Surveys were distributed to women and staff between February and May 2022. Survey questions reflected satisfaction with triage and provision of care under the BSOTS system (for women) and confidence in using the BSOTS system and its impact on triage-related care (for staff). Survey data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were analysed using content analysis.
There were 50 women and 40 staff (midwives and doctors) survey respondents. Most women were satisfied with triage wait times, the verbal information they received and the time it took for them to receive care. Nearly all midwife participants indicated they had high knowledge and confidence in using the BSOTS. Most staff indicated that the BSOTS supported the accurate assessment of women and had benefits for women, staff and the hospital.
The findings showed that women and staff were satisfied with receiving and providing care in a maternity triage setting under the BSOTS system.
Implementing standardized maternity triage approaches such as the BSOTS in health settings delivering care to pregnant women is recommended for improving flow of care and perceptions of care quality by women.
Quality of maternity triage processes is likely to impact the satisfaction of women attending services and the staff providing care. The BSOTS was shown to improve maternity triage processes and was associated with satisfaction of women and staff. Maternity settings can benefit from implementing triage approaches such as the BSOTS as it standardizes and justifies the care provided to women. This is likely to result in satisfaction of women and staff engaged in maternity triage and improve the birth outcomes of women and babies.
The reporting of this paper has followed SQUIRE guidelines.
Women engaged with maternity services were participants in the study but did not contribute to the design, conduct or publication of the study.
To explore which factors, influencing dietary behaviour change support among patients by Dutch community nurses (CNs; nurses), are key focal points in training programmes.
Nurses have an important role in counselling patients towards healthier dietary behaviour to prevent or delay long-term complications from chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Most nurses do not incorporate dietary behaviour change support in their routines to the fullest potential.
A qualitative descriptive study.
Data were collected in the Netherlands in 2018–2019 via semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses. Interview guide themes were informed by the COM-B model, using validated descriptions in Dutch. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Factors that affected dietary behaviour change support were linked to (1) the nurse (role identity, dietary knowledge and competences such as methodical approach, behaviour change techniques and communication techniques), (2) nurse–patient encounter (building a relationship with a patient, supporting patient autonomy and tailoring the approach) and (3) cooperation and organizational context.
It is of utmost importance to pay attention to nurses' role identity regarding dietary behaviour change support, as this underlies professional behaviour. This should be accompanied by improving competences on dietary behaviour change support. Focus on competences regarding the application of behaviour change technique is crucial. Furthermore, having a relationship of trust with a patient was important for discussing sensitive topics such as diet.
The promotion of a healthy diet provides opportunities to contribute to patient autonomy and self-management. Well-fitted training offers for (senior) nurses will lead to improved professional practice of nurses, leading to healthier dietary behaviour of patients.
A nurse provided feedback on the interview guide.
Children with seizures require immediate and appropriate intervention in the emergency department (ED). This study describes the clinical profile and outcome of paediatric patients with seizures at the ED in a country with limited resources.
A prospective, observational cohort study of paediatric patients with seizure presenting to an ED conducted over a six-month period from 1 August 2019 to 31 January2020.
The study was conducted at the ED of Muhimbili National Hospital, a level 1 trauma centre located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Paediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years presenting at the ED with acute seizure, defined as any seizure occurring from 24 hours to 7 days prior to the visit, were included in this study. Patients were consecutively enrolled during times a research assistant was present in the department. Newborns, children with repeat visits or no signs of life on arrival were excluded.
The primary outcome was the proportion of paediatric patients presenting with seizures and their mortality rate; secondary outcome was risk factors for mortality.
During the study period, 1011 children were seen in the department, of whom 114 (11.3%) (95% CI 9.3% to 13.3%) presented with seizures. Median age was 24 months (IQR 9–60), 78.1% were under 5 years and 55.3% were males. The majority 76 (66.7%) of the patients presented with generalised seizures. Half 58 (50.9%) of patients presented with fever. Meningitis was the most common aetiology, diagnosed in 30 (26.3%). Overall mortality was 16.7% (95% CI 10.3% to 24.8%). Using negative log binominal analysis, fever (relative risk, RR 2.7), altered mental status (RR 21.1), hypoxia (RR 3.3), abnormal potassium (RR 2.4) and clinical diagnosis of meningitis (RR 3.4) were statistically significantly associated with mortality.
Findings from this study revealed higher incidence of paediatric patients with seizures than that reported in high-income countries and other low-income and middle-income countries. The acuity of illness was high, with 16.7% mortality rate. The presence of fever, altered mental status, hypoxia, abnormal potassium levels and meningitis diagnosis were associated with higher risk of mortality. Further research is needed to develop interventions to improve outcomes in paediatric patients with seizures in our setting.
by Germán Mejía-Salgado, Paula Tatiana Muñoz-Vargas, Carlos Cifuentes-González, Gabriela Flórez-Esparza, Rebeca Paquentín-Jiménez, Miguel Ángel Castro-Monreal, Naomi Medina-Galindo, Gilma Norella Hernández-Herrera, Luz Elena Concha-del-Río, Alejandra de-la-Torre
PurposeTo establish the effects of anterior chamber inflammation (ACI) on the corneal endothelium parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT).
MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature review using medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, VHL, and medRxiv) on March 8, 2023, for studies that included patients with ACI who had undergone specular microscopy or pachymetry. Case series with >10 patients, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed using CLARITY tools and validated scales such as those by Hassan Murad et al. and Hoy et al. A narrative synthesis and a quantitative standardized mean difference meta-analysis, I2 heterogeneity assessment, and publication bias tests were conducted. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420148) and approved by the Universidad del Rosario ethical committee (DVO005 2277- CV1712).
ResultsThirty-four studies, encompassing 1,388 eyes with ACI, were included. Compared with healthy controls, overall, ACI eyes show significant mean differences in endothelial parameters (endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX)) (P Conclusion
ACI leads to significant alterations in endothelial parameters and CCT. The primary contributors to these changes are increased IOP, uveitis duration, and intraocular surgeries. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of ACI etiology on the endothelium, potential biases in IOP measurements during acute ACI episodes, and the potential necessity for monitoring the endothelial parameters and CCT in patients with chronic ACI.
Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer living in more deprived areas experience worse survival than those in more affluent areas. Those living in more deprived areas face barriers to accessing timely, quality healthcare. These barriers may contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in survival. We evaluated the literature for any association between socioeconomic group, hospital delay and treatments received among patients with colorectal cancer in the UK, a country with universal healthcare.
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, SCIE, AMED and PsycINFO were searched from inception to January 2023. Grey literature, including HMIC, BASE and Google Advanced Search, and forward and backward citation searches were conducted. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Observational UK-based studies were included if they reported socioeconomic measures and an association with either hospital delay or treatments received. The QUIPS tool assessed bias risk, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. The review is reported to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020.
41 of the 7209 identified references were included. 12 studies evaluated 7 different hospital intervals. There was a significant association between area-level deprivation and a longer time from first presentation in primary care to diagnosis. 32 studies evaluated treatments received. There were socioeconomic inequalities in surgery and chemotherapy but not radiotherapy.
Patients with colorectal cancer face inequalities across the cancer care continuum. Further research is needed to understand why and what evidence-based actions can reduce these inequalities in treatment. Qualitative research of patients and clinicians conducted across various settings would provide a rich understanding of the complex factors that drive these inequalities. Further research should also consider using a causal approach to future studies to considerably strengthen the interpretation. Clinicians can try and mitigate some potential causes of colorectal cancer inequalities, including signposting to financial advice and patient transport schemes.
CRD42022347652.
Individuals with serious mental illness often have persistent and disruptive symptoms. These can profoundly affect their children's lives, exposing them to adverse social and psychological conditions. Such conditions can result in traumatic lived experiences during childhood, which can carry over into adulthood, influencing their self-perceptions and shaping their attitudes toward themselves and society. To gain insights into this phenomenon, this study explored the lived experiences of adults who grew up with a parent with serious mental illness and their perceptions of their lives in adulthood.
This study used an interpretive phenomenological design.
Participants were invited to voluntarily participate in the study through a call posted on social media. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 adults (age range, 20–55 years) who grew up with a parent with serious mental illness. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and inductive thematic analysis was used to identify main and overarching themes.
The overarching theme of transition from childhood survival to adulthood survival emerged and included four main themes: (1) a traumatic childhood, (2) perceived control, (3) resilience and general self-efficacy, and (4) adult quality of life. A traumatic childhood consisted of experiences of neglect and abuse, while participants used perceived control to achieve personal growth, self-care, and care of others. Resilience and general self-efficacy emerged during the transition to adulthood and helped participants further their social status and strengthen family bonds. Lastly, adult quality of life was described as being disturbed by feelings of loneliness and being burdensome, stemming from an inherent tendency to rely solely on themselves, leading to trust issues and mental health complications. Therefore, these adults found it difficult to reach out and get help or treatment for their concerns, as they initially did not want to appear dysfunctional or in need.
This study has illuminated the lived experiences of a specific, vulnerable population that has not been intentionally explored until now. To delve into these experiences, we employed a distinctive qualitative approach, merging the interpretive phenomenological perspective with an inductive thematic analysis. This allowed for rich insight with a relatively large group of participants and enabled an in-depth exploration within this methodological framework. Consequently, this study constitutes a notable contribution to the extant body of knowledge, exploring the intricacies of personal growth and its impact on participants' quality of life. It uncovers the essence of resilience and general self-efficacy, revealing how these elements intertwine with the negative results observed. However, the study findings emphasize the need for healthcare professionals, including nurses and other caregivers, to be mindful of the long-lasting effects of the adverse experiences of children of patients with serious mental illness. Prioritizing active clinical assessment and implementing tailored interventions to address such children's specific needs and difficulties across different developmental stages is imperative. Such comprehensive and targeted approaches are crucial in providing appropriate support and promoting the well-being of these individuals.
Enhanced clinical attention in holistic psychiatric care is crucial for individuals and their relatives, especially children. Comprehensive assessments of children and adults raised by seriously mentally ill parents can enable tailored and preventive interventions, positively impacting overall quality of life.
Outcomes associated with rapid response teams (RRTs) are inconsistent. This may be due to underlying facilitators and barriers to RRT activation that are affected by team leaders and health systems.
The aim of this study was to synthesize the published research about facilitators and barriers to nurse-led RRT activation in the United States (U.S.).
A systematic review was conducted. Four databases were searched from January 2000 to June 2023 for peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies reporting facilitators and barriers to RRT activation. Studies conducted outside the U.S. or with physician-led teams were excluded.
Twenty-five studies met criteria representing 240,140 participants that included clinicians and hospitalized adults. Three domains of facilitators and barriers to RRT activation were identified: (1) hospital infrastructure, (2) clinician culture, and (3) nurses' beliefs, attributes, and knowledge. Categories were identified within each domain. The categories of perceived benefits and positive beliefs about RRTs, knowing when to activate the RRT, and hospital-wide policies and practices most facilitated activation, whereas the categories of negative perceptions and concerns about RRTs and uncertainties surrounding RRT activation were the dominant barriers.
Facilitators and barriers to RRT activation were interrelated. Some facilitators like hospital leader and physician support of RRTs became barriers when absent. Intradisciplinary communication and collaboration between nurses can positively and negatively impact RRT activation. The expertise of RRT nurses should be further studied.
Ischaemic cold static storage (ICSS) is the gold standard in donor heart preservation. This ischaemic time frame renders a time constraint and risk for primary graft dysfunction. Cold oxygenated heart perfusion, known as non-ischaemic heart preservation (NIHP), theoretically limits the ischaemic time, while holding on to the known advantage of hypothermia and cardioplegia, a low metabolic rate.
The NIHP 2019 study is an international, randomised, controlled, open, multicentre clinical trial in 15 heart transplantation centres in 8 European countries and includes 202 patients undergoing heart transplantation, allocated 1:1 to NIHP or ICSS. Enrolment is estimated to be 30 months after study initiation. The patients are followed for 12 months after transplantation.
The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of NIHP on survival, allograft function and rejection episodes within the first 30 days after transplantation. The secondary objectives are to compare treatment groups with respect to survival, allograft function, cardiac biomarkers, rejection episodes, allograft vasculopathy, adverse events and adverse device effects within 12 months.
This protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee (EC) for Research UZ/KU Leuven, Belgium, the coordinating EC in Germany (Bei Der LMU München), the coordinating EC in the UK (West Midlands—South Birmingham Research), the EC of Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain, the EC of Göteborg, Sweden, the coordinating EC in France, the EC of Padova, Italy and the EC of the University of Vienna, Austria. This study will be conducted in accordance with current local regulations and international applicable regulatory requirements according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and ISO14155:2020. Main primary and secondary outcomes will be published on modified intention-to-treat population and per-protocol population.
FreshRSS 